The Bakkie That Keeps Hope Moving Forward for Amaoti Families in Need

Photo Credit: Supplied by Faye Curtis (Lungisani Indlela)

It may just look like another van on the road, but Lungisani Indlela’s bakkie plays a key role in ensuring children learn to read, hungry families are fed, and essential care reaches those who need it most in Amaoti.

Amaoti, South Africa (28 June 2026) – The cost of living is high, and South Africans are feeling the squeeze. For those still going against the grain to spread hope and help others, the burden is growing even heavier.

Lungisani Indlela’s (LI) diesel bill is at a crippling point. The organisation is still looking for supporters who believe in their mission to help sponsor their fuel costs and keep their bakkie driving hope forward.

“Our bakkie works really hard every day, helping bring change to the impoverished community of Amaoti and surrounds,” Lungisani Indlela’s Management, Faye Curtis shares with us.

Part of this work involves wonderful Youth Workers visiting the children at their homes and at the nine schools LI works with.

“When desperate cases are brought to our attention, our sponsored Social Worker also needs to be taken to home and school visits, requiring trips into the community. The vehicle is also used to collect donated food and cooked meals from various places around Durban, providing much-needed food support,” Faye explains.

Photo Credit: Supplied by Faye Curtis (Lungisani Indlela)

Several families in Amaoti also desperately need help obtaining basic and legal documentation. To support them, the LI bakkie transports these families to the Department of Home Affairs.

It also plays a vital role in addressing the current literacy crisis by getting literacy champions to learners even outside of the community.

“A few years ago, we purchased the Neema Foundation Gateway to Reading Program, which helps teach all grades of learners to read. At the end of last year, we were asked to extend our assistance to a school in Inanda, Inanda Day Primary. Our team of Youth Workers and volunteers attend the school every Wednesday to assist Grade 6 and 7 learners, some of whom can barely read at a very basic level,” Faye says.

The school is 20 minutes away and has seen a vast improvement in its learners’ reading. The Principal, Mr Ngobese, thanked LI, saying:

“Inanda Day Primary really appreciates the literacy assistance provided by Lungisani Indlela. We have seen a vast improvement in many of our Grade 6s and 7s who are now reading and writing much better.”

Whether it’s helping learners improve their reading, assisting families with basic documentation, delivering food hampers to those grappling with poverty, or sending social workers where there is a concern, none of this would be possible without the wheels that keep LI moving.

LI is looking for 20 people or businesses willing to sponsor R200 a month to keep them on the road and continue changing lives. For more information, call 031 505 8811 or email [email protected].

Donations can be made to the banking details below: